Israel is prepared to re-enter Gaza to dismantle Hamas if the group refuses to comply with President Trump’s peace proposal and disarm, according to Israel’s ambassador to the United States, who made the statement on Friday.
In an exclusive interview with The Post, Yechiel Leiter expressed skepticism that Hamas would relinquish control of the area in line with Trump’s peace initiative. Consequently, Israel might find it necessary to take independent action.
“I don’t see a terrorist organization that identifies itself through weaponry and terror laying down arms,” Leiter commented on Friday.
“The president has been clear that if they don’t disarm, Israel will have the approval to return. We will not coexist with jihadis at our border, and everyone is aware of that,” he added.
While Leiter did not specify a timeline for Hamas to comply, he mentioned that Israeli officials are “realistic with a hint of optimism” that the group, responsible for the October 7 attack, would adhere to the peace plan. This plan aims to transform Gaza into a “deradicalized, terror-free zone that poses no threat to its neighbors.”
If Israel were to re-enter Gaza, the action would be coordinated with the United States, Leiter noted.
Israel is “very positive,” however, that peace talks are progressing in the right direction, which could eliminate the potential need for a re-invasion.
“But we’re ready to do it if we have to. We’re not going to live with this Hamas terror on our border,” said Leiter.
Netanyahu reportedly does not believe the international body led by Trump to oversee Gaza will be successful in disarming Hamas, which is why he ordered the IDF to prepare a “contingency plan.”
Earlier this month, Israel told The Post that the Israel Defense Forces would implement operations in the Gaza Strip, including in the city of Deir al-Balah, if Hamas refuses to disarm.
The military claims Hamas was violating the cease-fire agreement — which was brokered in October — “every day” and was even still killing IDF soldiers.
The IDF is working to fill the 300 miles of Hamas tunnels, but has only found an estimated 1/3 of the total, said Leiter.
